Monday, Day 12 of the Cabin

TaDa................the cabin!

There is it, porch and all!  We should have the windows and door in soon.

Now the work to clean up, smooth the lawn and plant grass seed.  This area will be for a stone
patio, fire pit and grill. 

The final building day for the Amish is over.  Soon we will be picking up lumber from another Amish friend, Enos Mast.  It is from the Pine Trees that were cut from our land last May.  Enos has sawed siding, flooring, ceiling and other lumber we will need to complete the cabin.  The most exciting wood is what he sawed from a huge log that will be the kitchen countertop and bathroom vanity top.  He sawed the lumber for our barn that was from the same stand of White Pine 17 years ago.  His talent at that time sawed an 18' x 22" x 2" board for a shelf we have in the living room.   Building the barn was quite a barn raising with our sons Bart and Beau, Kirk and Jim(grandson and son-in-law) and our Canadian friend Larry.  How lucky we are to have the family and friends we have.  Considering how fast it dries to when we can start using it.  Hopefully by mid winter for the interior and late spring for the siding.  Until then there is wiring, insulation, plumbing and what ever else can be done without using the lumber. 



The twins ready for their last day of work for us.

I found out the Amish call us the "English People".  Asking Andrew how he happened to show up Saturday and the fact he hadn't been here before.  He said, I work for an English man!  It took me by surprise hearing English.  Which I guess we are!

The cabin looks even better than I imagined.  Sometimes I was down right worried, especially when I was not in control of choices.  With me it is a control thing.  This is Dick's project and as much as it was close to a nervous break down for me...................I made it.  He did fine with his choices and now we can work together in perfect harmony finishing it.  Wait, that is a lie, a big one!  We have never worked in perfect harmony on any project.  It is a dream to think we can, would or could.  Like the Fixer Upper tv show.  They just smile and bat eyes at each other.  How can they?  In my mind I imagine the cameras suddenly shutting down waiting for them to get the argument over and then turn them on just in time to see the smiles and sweet words.  Maybe I should film how the husband and I work together.  I could call it, "Close Call"  meaning it was a close call, he almost killed her or she almost killed him.  Best leave it alone, work without proof of what really goes on behind closed doors.  One thing is for sure, it will get done no matter how many times we bump heads.

The next meal is always in the back of my mind.  It's a good thing we don't live closer to our favorite eateries.  Sidelines in Bolivar, everything we have had is delicious but I love the Habanero and Mango Wings and Dick goes for the giant deep fried onion rings.  Pizza King in Wellsville has amazing crust, just the way we like it!  When not in the mood to make my own dough for the pizza oven I always buy Pizza Kings 1/2 lb. balls, it can be frozen.  Then of course there is old faithful, Red and Trudys for a burger and shake.  The Mexican Restaurant in Allegany and Kaytees in Coudersport for an occasion Friday Fish Fry.  The Whitesville House is also a favorite but more out of the way so we save it for special occasions with friends.. Tonight too tired to even drive to our favorite food meant cooking for me.  Actually this supper took no more than 40 minutes from start to finish. Schnitzel made with pork tenderloin which is pounded thin, dusted with flour, seasoned with salt and pepper and fried in butter.  Creamed garden peas and new potatoes and fresh peaches for dessert.  No problem, one more meal down in a life time of cooking.  If you are wondering what "new potatoes" are, they are freshly dug young potatoes from the garden.  The skin is very tender and thin and the potato has a completely different texture than potatoes that are bought after the potato has matured and the skin is thicker.  You can buy new potatoes from roadside stands or farmer's markets this time of the year.  They are great as "salt potatoes".

A little German for supper. 

Well, another phase in the life of Cook'n by the Creek.  I say another meaning there will be another and another until we just run out of steam.  I have proclaimed August as "Marathon Month" around here.  Last year August was refinishing the floor.  Next year I hope the marathon is entertaining friends and family at the cabin.  Not that I am putting a time frame on a finishing date...........right!